Abbott urges Napthine to focus on governing

The Prime Minister says Dr Napthine is a 'good man who has been a fine Premier and urged him to get on with governing. He hasn't spoken to Denis Napthine about these developments, but says there's no need for an early election.

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CHRIS UHLMANN: The Prime Minister says Dr Napthine is a "good man" who's been a fine premier and has urged him to get on with governing.

Tony Abbott has spoken in Canberra this morning before flying out to Indonesia.

And he's not spoken to Denis Napthine about these developments but says there's no need for an early election.

TONY ABBOTT: Well, from my dealings with Premier Napthine, I can say that this is a strong and competent Victorian government which is getting on with the job. I think that Denis Napthine should simply get on with governing.

REPORTER: It's a crisis, though, of that government's making, isn't it? Geoff Shaw's a former member of the Liberal Party and the Party has relied on his support?

TONY ABBOTT: Well you've got a maverick independent who made some comments on a radio interview which has got the Opposition extremely excited and now the Labor Party in Victoria want the Governor to solve their problems for them.

Well, we've got a government in Victoria. It's a good government and it should be allowed to get on with its job.